Ep 17. Brat Patrol

The episode "Brat Patrol" from season 6 of CHiPS revolves around the theme of disciplining and guiding a group of troubled youths. The story begins with Sergeant Joseph Getraer receiving a request from the captain of a specialized juvenile boot camp to send over a few officers for a week-long training session with the cadets. Getraer selects three officers - Jon Baker, Bobby Nelson, and Steve McLeish - to participate in the program and report back about their experience.

Upon arrival, the trio finds out that the boot camp is a strict and regimented facility that caters to the needs of teenagers who have a history of delinquency, drug abuse, and petty crimes. The cadets are a tough bunch to deal with, often displaying aggressive behavior and defiance towards their overseers. Jon, Bobby, and Steve are assigned to three different platoons, each consisting of ten cadets, and are responsible for molding them into an effective and law-abiding team.

As the days go by, the officers face challenges in dealing with the difficult personalities of the cadets. One of the platoons is led by a seasoned veteran, who initially resents the new arrivals and questions their authority. Another group is riddled with trust issues and refuses to cooperate with any exercises or drills. A third platoon has a few members who are prone to bullying and harassment, making it hard for the officers to maintain discipline.

Meanwhile, there is a subplot involving a young boy named Eddie, who is on the run from his abusive stepfather. Eddie is a talented skateboarder but has a miserable home life, which has led him to seek refuge in the streets. Jon takes an interest in the boy and tries to gain his trust, hoping to provide him with a positive role model and a way out of his troubled situation.

As the week progresses, Jon, Bobby, and Steve find ways to connect with the cadets and gain their trust. Jon uses his skateboarding skills to bond with Eddie and also teaches him about self-discipline and perseverance. Bobby encourages his platoon to work together on a difficult obstacle course, which helps build their teamwork skills. Steve challenges his group to a game of paintball, forcing them to use strategy and tactics to outsmart the other team.

The climax of the episode involves a final exercise where all three platoons compete against each other in a relay race. The teams have to overcome various obstacles and complete a series of challenges to reach the finish line. The competition is fierce, with each group giving their best performance. In the end, the officers are proud of their cadets' progress and feel satisfied that they have made a positive impact on their lives.

Overall, the episode "Brat Patrol" is a heartwarming and inspiring story about the power of guidance and discipline. The officers' efforts to mentor the troubled youths and turn them into productive members of society are admirable and commendable. The episode also touches upon themes of abuse, neglect, and family dynamics, highlighting the challenges that some teenagers face in their daily lives. The inclusion of the Eddie subplot adds an emotional layer to the story and shows how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Fans of CHiPS will enjoy watching their favorite characters take on a new challenge and make a positive impact on the next generation.